Teenage boys dressed up as the eight generals to dance Beigang Mazu Pilgrimage.

Every year from late March to early April, the island is amid Mazu mania; cities and temples arrange processions offering free food and nonstop performances to celebrate the birth of the mother goddess. Amid the festivities and excitement, I saw this boy with intense solemnity waiting in the long queue of performers, isolating himself from the crowds of hubbub before presenting in front of the goddess.